Platform Noise Reduction - Vehicle Acoustic Warning and Surveillance System

For acoustic sensors to have sufficient detection ranges on future combat systems, a platform noise reduction system that achieves near ambient noise levels is needed. The overall objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of platform noise reduction using noise cancellation sensors and algorithms.

Signal Systems Corporation has collected data on HMMWV, CUC-V, M113 and unmanned vehicles. We determine noise sources, and the spatial coherence of the noise field under different platform operating conditions. We have investigated new acoustic array designs with improved platform noise suppression; examine noise reduction techniques applicable to moving conditions; and demonstrated broadband noise reduction.

Technical results included in the effort are noise reduction versus vehicle speed; noise reduction versus algorithm approach; noise reduction versus number of array and reference sensors, and self-noise classification features that discriminate between near and far-field acoustic signatures.

The results of effort have addressed the critical risk areas of this project and provide a solid foundation for our real-time prototype effort - VAWS. Our approach enables maximum platform noise reduction onboard future combat vehicles, such as reconnaissance unmanned vehicles.

By making acoustic sensors effective, we can provide an all-weather, all-time surveillance capability that helps to queue infrared and visual sensors without the cost, power and weight associated with radar processors. This technology will also improve speech recognition performance in the wireless and handheld information appliance products.

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